Shameful movement: Jacob

Week 2: Wednesday

Reading

Genesis 27.41-46

Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’ But the words of her elder son Esau were told to Rebekah; so she sent and called her younger son Jacob and said to him, ‘Your brother Esau is consoling himself by planning to kill you. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran, and stay with him for a while, until your brother’s fury turns away— until your brother’s anger against you turns away, and he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send, and bring you back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?’ Then Rebekah said to Isaac, 'I am weary of my life because of the Hittite women. If Jacob marries one of the Hittite women such as these, one of the women of the land, what good will my life be to me?'

Reflection

The complex and difficult relationship between Isaac and Rebekah creates enmity between their sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob is very much a trickster, seeking the love of his father, but supported and defended by his mother.

This is a fraught situation that leads to this ancestor fleeing his home. In this space of escape he finds the God of his forebears. Despite the deep shame that pursues Jacob, eventually his name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32.28). His shame becomes honour.

Black Spirituality is born out of the complex and difficult lives of Black people which often means that they have to leave their homes and their loved ones just to make a life elsewhere. Often, it is only their enduring faith in God that sustains them.

Watch

Reflect on any journeys you might have undertaken out of shame or fear.

...and pray

for God's deep healing within the relationships in your life.

Copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2024.